South Africa Doll Free State Sotho People

Cloth doll with a coneshaped lower body, representing a South African Sotho woman. The Sotho people are also known as the Basuto or Basotho. The Sotho of South Africa mainly live in the Free State province. This doll has embroidered facial features and arms hidden under her blanket. The Basotho blanket has an interesting history, read more about it here. This doll was a gift brought back from South Africa by an acquaintance who told me it is a Sotho.

Folklore is in the air… uhm… ear!

Details

Object Doll wearing traditional costume
Origin South Africa, Free State
Culture Sotho people
Medium Fabric, beads, wood
Mark or Tag None
Made by Unknown
Size H 28 cm
Dated 2004
Acquired Gift 2004

Postcard

Here’s a postcard that matches this doll. It shows how the people living in South Africa are dressed in their traditional costume.

Text on the back of the postcard: ‘Bantu life – Bantoelewe. Basuto women wearing typical blankets. Basoetovrouwe met hul tipiese komberse.’ Postmark unclear, not dated.

Happy collecting,